Phelps family joins the fight against congenital heart disease to support Hero for HeartKids in Gnowangerup

A young Gnowangerup family has joined the fight against congenital heart disease in the Hero for HeartKids annual fundraiser. Three-year-old Taj Phelps was born with the rare disease and his family channelled their inner superheroes by dressing up to raise awareness on Friday. Taj’s mum Yasmin Phelps highlighted how the day affects them and other families, who have children suffering from similar conditions. “It’s an important day for us and any awareness and money we can raise is great,” Mrs Phelps said. “Hero HeartKids brings to life what real superheroes these kids are. “HeartKids were at the hospital when Taj was having his surgery providing support, but they also offer online and financial support for families who are going through similar things.” The Phelps family has started fundraising campaigns online and set up community activities to raise awareness and funds for the charity. “We have been fundraising through our online page and trying to give it exposure encouraging donations where we can,” she said. Taj was born four weeks premature with heart disease Total Anomalous Pulmonary Venous Return (TAPVR), requiring surgery six hours after birth. He has since shown positive development and returned to a somewhat normal life. “He won’t require any more surgery at this stage,” Mrs Phelps said. ”He has follow-up appointments every 18 months to check the repair is going well and will need these appointments for the rest of his life.”